The opening gameweek of the 2021 MLS Fantasy Soccer season should be an interesting one. In addition to a number of the top sides facing off against each other, there’s the unknown quantity that is Austin FC who are embarking on their debut season in the league.

Will fantasy managers pack their squads with established MLS stars? Or will there be room for some new signings? Whatever your approach, don’t be afraid to take a risk or two – it’s gameweek one, so there’s plenty of time to catch up if some of your signings don’t work out.

Goalkeepers

Strongly Consider

When it comes to keepers, there is often little difference in the points returns of the premium players and their less expensive colleagues. So, it might be wise to avoid the top of the range $6.0m goalies and save some funds for other parts of your squad.

Kenneth Vermeer (LAFC), Quentin Westberg (Toronto FC) and Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas) are all slightly cheaper options with decent fixtures.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Nashville SC were one of last season’s defensive success stories. Walker Zimmerman has clean sheet potential at home to FC Cincinnati.

Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew) has a tough opening fixture against Philadelphia but provides points even when his team don’t keep a clean sheet. He’s usually worth the additional cost.

Think About

Portland Timbers have two new full-backs in Claudio Bravo and Josecarlos van Rankin. Both have attacking possibilities and maybe the chance of a clean sheet when they travel to Vancouver.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) should once again be a contender for the highest scoring fantasy player. At the time of writing he isn’t confirmed as fit but, assuming he makes it, a game against Club de Foot Montreal provides a great chance for a big early score.

Think About

A fully fit Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) should rival Pozuelo and Nicolas Lodeiro (more about him in a minute) as the top fantasy midfielder but, as mentioned above, the Crew don’t have the easiest start.

Carles Gil could prove to be a better option away to Chicago Fire and don’t forget Lewis Morgan (Inter Miami) or Diego Valeri and Yimmi Chara (both Portland Timbers).

There is also some great value in the middle of the park. Look at Chris Mueller (Orlando City), Freddy Vargas (FC Dallas) or the Sporting Kansas City pair Gadi Kinda and Gianluca Busio – all cost $7.5m or less.

Avoid

For anyone who wasn’t aware, Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) is injured. Reports on his potential absence range from ‘day to day’ to 3-4 weeks.

Forwards

Must Have

He didn’t see much playing time in 2020 so Carlos Vela (LAFC) will be looking to make up for lost time. He should be a popular captain choice as he faces Austin FC.

Think About

There are a number of potential bargains when looking for second and third striking options. If Seattle go with a 3-5-2 then at least one of Freddy Montero ($6.5m) or Will Bruin ($5.5m) will start.

MLS veterans Max Urruti and Chris Wondolowski are $7.0m and $5.5m but if you’re looking for a really cheap bench option, then Urruti’s teammate, Ariel Lassiter, costs just $4.5m – but remember to check the lineups.